By Gerry Descoteaux
Correspondent

Auburn will get its first town administrator as well as its first full-time firefighters.

More than 100 people braved the snow-slicked roads to attend Auburn Town Meeting at the Auburn Village School on Saturday, March 12, where residents were asked to comment and then vote on a half dozen warrant articles.

Voters discussed whether the town should spend $45,000 to hire a full-time town administrator to meet the needs of current town business. The $45,000 would cover the first six months of employment, then the position would be a line item at $90,000 annual salary.

When asked what the requirements for the position would entail, Selectman Bruce Knox said it would require at least a bachelor’s degree, if not a masters, in public administration and perhaps at least three years of experience in the field.

The measure passed 94-27 by secret ballot.

Firefighters
Two full-time firefighters will soon be added to the currently all-volunteer fire department.

“It’s now time for the town to move toward a full-time fire department, considering the increased population in town and the resulting responsibility of the town to maintain an appropriate level of safety for its citizens,” said Fire Chief Bruce Phillips.

After a brief discussion the measure passed overwhelmingly.

Police
Voters approved $125,000 for police outside duty details, the cost of which would be offset by the fees charged to businesses and organizations making use of the service. This has no impact on the tax rate because those using the detail service pay the fees, but the town must have the money up front to pay officers.

Town hall
The next measure to be voted on concerned raising nearly $69,171 to construct a new parking area on town-owned land adjacent to Auburn Town Hall. Third-term Selectman Harland Eaton spoke briefly in favor of the article, noting both capacity and safety concerns, and the measure passed without further discussion.

Speed trailer
Speeders will soon face a warning device on the roads. Voters agreed to spend $14,000 to purchase a speed-monitoring awareness trailer. Half its cost will be offset by a grant from the state of New Hampshire Highway Safety Fund.

Operating budget
There was no debate concerning the town’s $2,755,586 operating budget.

The entire meeting concluded in just under an hour.

“Not the shortest meeting we’ve ever had,” said Town Moderator Stritch. “I think the record one year was 14 minutes. This is not a controversial town. Everyone here is basically in favor of what is good for the town. Auburn is a wonderful community. The people here are friendly and everyone looks out for everyone else. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.”

Stritch also brought to the meeting’s attention the presentation of the Auburn Community Service Award presented posthumously to Wayne Eddows, who volunteered for years within the community as a Scout leader and youth coach. His wife, Nancy, accepted the award on his behalf in front of a standing ovation from all attending the meeting.